MANUEL Kambala of Polokwane City denies Stellenbosch’s Fawaaz Basadien shot at goal during their Nedbank Cup clash at Danie Craven Stadium last week. Photo: Henk Kruger Independent Media
Stellenbosch's recent enterprising Nedbank Cup performance over Polokwane City augurs well for Tuesday's Premiership clash against giant-killers TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
After losing 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs last week, Stellenbosch needed to raise the level of performance and play with greater intensity and cohesion. They managed this in great style against Polokwane, and their impressive performance created a glut of goalscoring opportunities.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker will target an improved performance from his marksmen who need to do better in the striking zone.
"We need to concentrate on finishing (goalscoring opportunities) this season. I think that will be our main objective.
"We have two quarter-finals to look forward to and try and push for that top three or four position in the Premiership."
Just over a week ago, Galaxy shocked the football fraternity by defeating the table-topping Mamelodi Sundowns in a midweek Premiership match at the Mbombela Stadium.
Since then, Galaxy surprisingly went down 2-1 to the First Division side Durban City at the Chatsworth in a Nedbank Cup last-16 round match on Friday.
Galaxy will have to fathom Barker's tactics because he has brought about several changes to their playing patterns. He has been playing midfielders New Zealander Andre de Jong and Lesiba Nku in sort-of false-nine and 10 positions. They have been working well with Devin Titus and Khomotjo 'Kaka' Lekoloane, who have initiated the final third entries.
Barker would also have been impressed with the performance of the defensive midfielders Ibrahim Jabaar and Genino Palace. They secured a glut of turnovers and constantly applied pressure in the midfield.
Galaxy have had a terrific run in the Premiership and have moved into a lofty fourth position. Stellenbosch, who have played three games less, are in ninth place.
Meanwhile, Cape Town City have a mountain to climb on Tuesday when they host Chippa United at the Athlone Stadium.
City, currently in eighth position, have failed to win a match in their last three outings, losing to Magesi FC, Galaxy and drawing against Golden Arrows. During this passage of time, they managed a solitary goal.
The coach Muhsin Ertuğral has identified a host of problems, and after their Nedbank Cup exit, they had a two-break. This would have allowed Ertuğral to work on the team's shortcomings ahead of the Chippa game.
On Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs hammered Chippa 3-0 in their Nedbank Cup at the FNB Stadium, and Chippa will be looking to return to winning ways in Cape Town.
Their Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had an indifferent match and made two clumsy errors, which Chiefs capitalised on.
Chiefs return to the FNB Stadium on Tuesday to host SuperSport United, who have a winless run of five matches.
Orlando Pirates will be away to Golden Arrows on Wednesday night. After Sundowns' shock league loss last week, every win will help to keep Pirates in touch with pace-setters Sundowns, who have opened a nine-point gap, although Pirates have played two games less.